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Business Improvement District

Photos: Annual Taste of the Holidays in Downtown Batavia

By Howard B. Owens

Friday night was the first night of Taste of the Holidays. The festivities included a chance for visitors to the tent on Jackson Street to sample food from area restaurants and visit with other vendors. Bus rides to the Holland Land Museum Office to see the Wonderland of Trees were also part of the event.

The event continues today from noon to 3 p.m. and will include carriage rides and a scavenger hunt.

Children can also visit Santa today in City Centre.

Pumpkins with anti-smoking messages included in Downtown fall displays

By Howard B. Owens

Photos and information submitted by Chelsea Dillon.

With the permission of the Business Improvement District, Reality Check Students (a Genesee-Orleans County Youth Bureau program) decorated pumpkins to include in Halloween displays Downtown with facts about smoking. The program leads up to the 38th Annual Great American Smokeout. The smokeout is Nov. 21, when smokers are encouraged to give up cigarettes for 24 hours.

'Taste of Fall Wine Walk' tickets are sold out

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District Promotion Committee announces that the 4th Annual “Taste of Fall Wine Walk,” Saturday, Oct. 5 is completely sold out.

For those that have tickets it will be a super evening with wine tastings, foods and special fall discounts at 21 different stores and businesses. This has been a sell out for the fourth year with 600 tickets being sold.

The starting point for the event will be at GoArt!, 201 E. Main St. Registration is from 5 to 6 p.m. Ticket holders will receive their bracelets, commemorative wine glasses and a goodie bag. Please bring proper ID.

Enjoy the Taste of Fall Wine Walk and be safe and responsible drivers. There are still Designated Driver Tickets available at $5 per person.

Remember, visit our Downtown restaurants following this event. You will find them listed on our Web site directory.

This event is brought by the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District, Inc. Visit www.downtownbataviany.com or Facebook: Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District, for more information about this and other events.

(FYI -- Due to a processing error, ticket numbers 451-700 were never printed, creating a gap in sequence, but this has no effect on tickets sold.)

For information contact: BID at 585-344-0900.

Photos: Downtown businesses holding Thursday sidewalk sales

By Howard B. Owens

Merchants are lining the streets in Downtown Batavia today for the first of three Thursday sidewalk sales sponsored by the Business Improvement District.

The other sidewalk sales are also on the second Thursday of the month -- in August (Aug. 8) and September (Sept. 12). Time is 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Above, Chris Merrian, Don Brown and Bryce Rogers with Charles Men's Shop, and below, John Roche, Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles.

'Feet on the Street Sidewalk Sale' begins Thursday downtown, sponsored by BID

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Starting this Thursday, July 11, and thereafter on the second Thursday of the month for August and September, there will be a "Feet on the Street Sidewalk Sale," sponsored by the Downtown Business Improvement District's Promotional Committee.

It goes from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature goods and services from the following participating businesses:

  • Adam Miller Toy & Bicycles
  • Alberty Drugs
  • Amy's Fluffy Friends
  • Artemis Day Spa
  • Blue Pearl Yoga
  • Charles Men's Shop
  • The Enchanted Florist
  • Gamzilla
  • GO ART!
  • Karen's Yarn, Paper, Scissors
  • Marchese Computer Products
  • T-Shirts Etc.
  • Valle Jewelers

For more information, call 344-0900 or visit   downtownbataviany.com

Downtown Batavia Public Market opens Thursday

By Billie Owens

Press release:

BRING YOUR FEET DOWNTOWN AND MAKE HEALTHY CHOICES! The Batavia Business Improvement District announces the opening of the Downtown Batavia Public Market on Thursday, June 20 and runs through Sept. 26. The market is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., every Thursday and is located at the corner of Center & Ellicott (Rte 63) streets in Downtown Batavia.

Conveniently located in the center of our city, visit our market before you do your regular shopping to be sure your food is the freshest and that your dollars remain local. Now entering its eighth year, the public market has grown and changed to become a staple of the Downtown.

The market this season will have the following vendors providing fresh baked goods, a wide variety of produce and fruits herbs, flowers, maple syrup, dip mixes, dog treats, BBQ sauce, handmade quilts and other items. Plus, pulled pork sandwiches, Italian sausage, hot dogs and hamburgers for lunchtime at the market. Look for the colorful umbrellas.

Vendors include: Alston’s BBQ Sauce; Athena’s Bakery & Dog Treats; Crazy Quilts; Irene’s Variety; Karen’s Yarn Paper & Scissors; Nice Farms; Stymus Farms; and Schwab Farms.

If you would like to know more about how to participate in the Downtown Public Market, please contact Don Burkel at the BID at 585-344-0900 or email dburkel@downtownbataviany.com for local food, fun, and familiar faces!

Photo: BID pushing for 'More Feet Downtown' starting this spring and summer

By Howard B. Owens

Batavia's Business Improvement District kicked off its promotional campaign, "More Feet Downtown," today.

Banners were hung at light poles downtown to help spread the word.

Pictured are Amy Worthington, left, Jeff Gillard, Don Burkel, Paul Marchese, Mary Valle, Beth Kemp and Lusanne Simard.

BID honors three downtown businesses and two volunteers at annual luncheon

By Howard B. Owens

The Business Improvement Distirct held its annual luncheon this afternoon and honored three local businesses with "Spirit of Downtown" awards and two volunteers who have contributed greatly to the betterment of the BID and downtown.

Receiving Spirit of Downtown Awards were DelPlato & Casey Law Offices, Michael DelPlato and Peter Casey; Howard Owens, The Batavian; and, Harry Wortzman, Wortzman Furniture. The volunteer awards were given to Michael Marsh, of Edward Jones Investment, and James Isacc (pictured above), of Crossroads Abstract.

DelPlato and Casey were honored for their active participation in the BID.The Batavian was honored for the support the online-news publication gives to local businesses and downtown. Wortzman was honored for a long history of community contributions and support of downtown.

The event was emceed by WBTA's Dan Fischer. The guest speaker was Patrick Finan, founder of the Block Club in Buffalo, who spoke about the importance of shopping locally to the health and vibrancy of a local community.

Peter Casey

Harry Wortzman

BID announces annual luncheon and Spirit of Downtown awards

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District will hold its annual meeting and awards luncheon on Friday, April 26, from noon to 1:30 p.m. (registration is at 11:45 a.m.) at the City Church Generation Center, 15 Center St. in Downtown Batavia.

The agenda will include a review of the B.I.D.’s accomplishments and the announcement of the newly elected members to the Board of Directors.

The “Downtown Spirit” Business Awards are to be presented to: Michael DelPlato & Peter Casey of DelPlato & Casey Law Office, Howard Owens of The Batavian, and Harry Wortzman of Wortzman Furniture.

The “Downtown Spirit” Volunteer Awards are to be presented to: James Isaac (Crossroads Abstract), serving as B.I.D. vice-president and on the Organization Committee and Michael Marsh (Edward Jones Financial), serving on the BID Promotion / Taste of the Holidays committees. 

Guest Speaker: Patrick Finan, Founder & Principal of Block Club (Buffalo-based branding and marketing agency). His topic will be:  Downtowns and the Importance of Building Strong, Local, Living Economies.”  Patrick business was named "The Third Fastest Growing Company In WNY" and he's the youngest recipient of Business First 40 Under 40 Aaward. 

All B.I.D. members and area business are invited. A special buffet will be served at T.F. Brown’s. Price is $15 per person. RSVP and payment by Monday, April 22. To make reservations contact Don Burkel, B.I.D. Director, at 344-0900 or e-mail at  dburkel@downtownbataviany.com.

Sponsored Post: The BID presents: branding, customer service, marketing: it's all in the way you present yourself!

By Lisa Ace

Branding, customer service, marketing: it's all in the way you present yourself! Presented by: Patrick Finan, founder and principal of Block Club, a Buffalo-based branding and marketing agency.

Workshop Topics:

  • Customer Service Training    
  • Team Building Activities
  • Branding & Visual Merchandising 

$10 for BID Members, $15 Chamber/Non BID members. RSVP and payment by Friday, April 19th.

Light refreshments will be available.

Please make checks payable to: Batavia Improvement District (BID)
B.I.D. 200 E. Main St., Suite 12, Batavia, NY 14020 
(585) 344‐0900 (585) 815‐0233 fax 
www.DowntownBataviaNY.com

Photos: BID leaders looking for more volunteers from member businesses

By Howard B. Owens

About 50 downtown business owners and managers gathered this morning in the community center of City Church to learn more about the activities of the Business Improvement District.

Part of the goal of the program was to encourage more people to volunteer on BID committees.

Committees are:

  • Business Development Committee, chaired by Anthony Condello (pictured above)
  • Design Committee, chaired by Victor Gautieri, (second picture)
  • Promotion Committee, chaired by Mary Valle
  • Organization/Executive Group, chaired by Paul Marchese (bottom photo)
  • Visioning Commitee, chaired by James Isaac

Marchese unveiled a new mission statement and vision statement for the BID.

Mission Statement:

The Batavia Business Improvement District promotes and enhances the unique experience of shopping, working, and living in downtown Batavia.

Community begins downtown!

Vision Statement:

More Feet Downtown!

Searching for Biblical truth

By Lucy Kehoe-Holnbeck

I am in search of true Biblical guidance, from Pastors, Priests, Reverends or any knowledgable, believer in Jesus. I have recently been diagnosed, with severe situational social anxiety disorder and really worried about taking the perscribed medicine. Im struggling to not loose my job, from the stress. Iv reached out for help, but after 3 or 4 days of trying. I guess Iv learned where not to go again. Coping with my loss & isolation through, holidays has turned out to be more then I can bare. I am a devout believer, that Christ died for our sins so that we may have the choice to, be forgiven. Im far from iliterate, but my reading level, comprehension & retension, is a real problem for me. This makes it hard to gain acurate knowledge, in a timely way. To recognize the truth, from a lie. Im not computer savy, but I Googled my biblical concerns & the information below, is what I found. Ill try to include a link, to the site, if that may be of help. What Id need to know, is this Biblical truth. Or just one more of the many, distorted views. Im afraid this will be too large, to post on the Batavian. So if you have the time, @ the web address below, you can read the rest. Please, help…

http://www.luke173ministries.org/466804

THE 3 RS OF ACCOUNTABILITY: REPENTANCE, RESTITUTION, AND PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY By Rev. Renee Pittelli Being accountable for one’s behavior is part of growing up and being a mature adult. It is a fallacy that God is all forgiving, and when unrepentant offenders claim that "God forgives me", they are wrong. God does not forgive us until and unless we confess our sins and repent (change our ways). The Lord holds us accountable for our behavior, and he instructs us to hold each other accountable as well. Accountability consists of three parts, Repentance, Restitution, and Personal Responsibility: Repentance: REPENTANCE: Remorse, contrition, or self-reproach for what one has done or failed to do; making a change for the better as a result of remorse; a turning from one’s sinful ways; feeling of such regret for past conduct as to change one’s mind regarding it, atonement; forsaking of sin; the feeling or act in which one tries to right a wrong, it always includes the admission of guilt, and also at least one of: a solemn promise or resolve not to repeat the offense, or an attempt to make restitution for the wrong, or in some way to reverse the harmful effects of the wrong where possible. When we rebuke, set limits on, or break off our relationship with an unrepentant offender, she may shrug and tell us, "I know God forgives me", the implication being that the Lord forgives her even if we don’t. But guess what? She is WRONG. & The Lord NEVER forgives unrepentant evildoers. He REQUIRES that sinners humble themselves and come to him for forgiveness, and that they show remorse and change their ways.

BID says 'Taste of the Holidays' another big success

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

This past weekend (Dec 7-8), the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), hosted the 2nd Annual Taste of the Holidays. Friday evening’s event included the official lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, music by Rich Conroy, tastings from local restaurants, horse & wagon rides, and a scavenger hunt to lead people to the downtown businesses.

Eleven local restaurants handed out samples under a tent located on historic Jackson Street. Over 500 people attended the Friday event with great success. Saturday’s afternoon event also included the scavenger hunt, but was geared toward families & children with music by Bart & Kevin. Area businesses and local organizations had holiday activities for children under the tent including crafts, face painting, free hot cocoa by Coffee Culture, and much more.

The always popular McMahon School of Irish Dance kicked up their heels for the event as well as Jason the Juggler. The YWCA sponsored a gingerbread house contest. Approximately 300 families turned out for the Saturday event. The major sponsors for the Taste of the Holidays were Müller Quaker and Alpina Foods, Batavia’s new yogurt companies. Alpina Foods even handed out free yogurt samples during the weekend event.

The Batavia Business Improvement District also took the opportunity to find out the wish lists of area residents. Their table’s activity not only included a station to write to Santa Claus, but also a station to send a letter to the BID saying, “I wish Batavia…”

The letters included straight-forward answers such as “a bakery, lower taxes, or less congested traffic on Main Street.” But the children’s comments were far more imaginative including, “fireworks, no more snowstorms, a play place, and a popcorn place.”

The winner of this year’s Downtown Batavia Scavenger Hunt is Peyton Woeller, age 6, of Batavia. Peyton attended the Saturday children’s day activities for Taste of the Holidays and completed the scavenger hunt with his mother and twin sister. Peyton won a $100 gift BID certificate after visiting participating businesses and determining what day of Christmas each business represented.

Peyton’s reaction to winning “definitely rang with Christmas spirit,” said BID Director Don Burkel. “Peyton shared his gift certificate with his twin sister without hesitation. He knew immediately he wanted to go to Adam Miller Toy & Bike.”

The owner of Floral Fantasies, Sherry Balvo, also agreed the event was great for the community. She went above and beyond as a scavenger hunt participant by giving out gift bags with ornaments.

The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) will be planning their yearly events after the New Year’s. Anyone who would like to volunteer for events or be part of the planning process are encouraged to contact the BID office at 585-344-0900 or email dburkel@downtownbataviany.com. Be sure to like the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District on Facebook so you can keep in touch with future events.

BID lauds volunteers who made 'Taste of the Holidays' lots of festive fun

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Volunteers made the second annual “Taste Of The Holidays” hosted by the Batavia Business Improvement District (Friday, Dec. 7th and Saturday, Dec. 8th) a huge success.

The BID is proud to have such a dedicated group of volunteers to help out with this event. We wish to thank all of the following for their outstanding efforts and commitment:

Nancy Bachulak -- Event Co-Chair (BID Promotion / O’Lacy’s Irish Pub )

Brenda Richardson -- Event Co-Chair (BID Promotion / Coffee Culture)
Larry Barnes -- (City of Batavia)
Madeline Bialkowski -- (BID Design / Batavia City Centre)

Sharon Burkel -- (Genesee County)

Anthony Condello -- (BID Board)
John Cascell -- (Community Volunteer)
Stephanie Cummings -- (Tompkins Insurance)
Anita Dziekan -- (Community Volunteer)
Dorian Ely -- (Genesee County Senior Center)
Brady Fowler -- (Student, Williamsville South)
Jeff Gillard -- (BID Board)
Donna Gillard -- (Community Volunteer)
Dawn Ireland -- Monsees (Chamber of Commerce)
James Isaac -- (BID Board / Crossroads Abstract)
Krysia Mager -- (BID Board / Bank of Castile)
Paul Marchese -- (BID Board / Marchese Computer)
Michael Marsh -- (BID Promotion / Edward Jones)

John Roche -- (BID Board / Adam Miller Toy & Bike)
Mary Valle -- (BID Board / Valle Jewelers)

A special thanks to BID Assistant Laurie Oltramari for all her hard work.

If you are interested in volunteering for any of our events -- Downtown Public Market, Jackson Square, Summer In The City, Downtown Wine Walk, and Taste of the Holidays -- please contact the Downtown Business Improvement District at: 344-0900. Visit us at www.downtownbataviany.com or Like Us On FaceBook: Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District. Happy Holidays!

BID deems second annual 'Taste of the Holidays' a success

By Billie Owens

Press release:

On Dec. 7 and 8, the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District (BID), hosted the 2nd Annual Taste of the Holidays.

Friday evening’s event included the official lighting of the Christmas tree, caroling, music by Rich Conroy, tastings from local restaurants, horse and wagon rides, and a scavenger hunt to lead people to the downtown businesses. Eleven local restaurants handed out samples under a tent located on historic Jackson Street.

More than 500 people attended the Friday event with great success. Saturday’s afternoon event also included the scavenger hunt, but was geared toward families and children, with music by Bart & Kevin. Area businesses and local organizations had holiday activities for children under the tent including crafts, face painting, free hot cocoa by Coffee Culture, and much more. The always popular McMahon School of Irish Dance kicked up their heels for the event as well as Jason the Juggler. The YWCA sponsored a gingerbread house contest. Approximately 300 families turned out for the Saturday event.

The major sponsors for the Taste of the Holidays were Müller Quaker and Alpina Foods, Batavia’s new yogurt companies. Alpina Foods even handed out free yogurt samples during the weekend event.
 
The Batavia Business Improvement District also took the opportunity to find out the wish lists of area residents. Their table’s activity not only included a station to write to Santa Claus, but also a station to send a letter to the BID saying, “I wish Batavia…” The letters included straightforward answers such as “a bakery, lower taxes, or less congested traffic on Main Street.” But the children’s comments were more imaginative including, “fireworks, no more snowstorms, a play place, and a popcorn place.”  
 
The winner of this year’s Downtown Batavia Scavenger Hunt is Peyton Woeller, age 6, of Batavia. Peyton attended the Saturday children’s day activities for Taste of the Holidays and completed the scavenger hunt with his mother and twin sister. Peyton won a $100 gift BID certificate after visiting participating businesses and determining what day of Christmas each business represented.

Peyton’s reaction to winning “definitely rang with Christmas spirit,” said BID Director Don Burkel. “Peyton shared his gift certificate with his twin sister without hesitation. He knew immediately he wanted to go to Adam Miller Toy & Bike.”

The owner of Floral Fantasies, Sherry Balvo, also agreed the event was great for the community. She went above and beyond as a scavenger hunt participant by giving out gift bags with ornaments.
 
The Batavia Business Improvement District (BID) will be planning their yearly events after the New Year’s. Anyone who would like to volunteer for events or be part of the planning process are encouraged to contact the BID office at 344-0900 or e-mail dburkel@downtownbataviany.com

Be sure to like the Downtown Batavia Business Improvement District on Facebook so you can keep in touch with future events.

Photos: Christmas display in Carr's windows win downtown contest

By Howard B. Owens

The Christmas displays in the former Carr's building won this year's Downtown Batavia Holiday Window Display Contest, the BID announced today.

The windows were sponsored by Next Level Fitness & City Slickers.

Honorable mentions went to Valle Jewelers, Adam Miller Toy & Bicycle, The Spa at Artemis, Genesee Patrons, and Charles Men’s Shop.

This year’s judges were City Manager Jason Molino, GO ART! Director Kelly Kiebala and Diana Wyrwa, director of the Richmond Memorial Library.

The winner of the contest will receive $200 in cash.

Christmas in City Centre set for Nov. 30 and Dec. 1

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Join in the holiday spirit at the Annual Christmas in City Centre from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 30, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 1, in the Downtown Batavia City Centre.

On Friday, activities include entertainment by the Batavia Concert Band and a visit with Santa Claus.

On Saturday, visit with Santa Claus, be entertained by Center Stage and see the various animals at the Zoo Mobile.

The Batavia Business Improvement District wants to remind you to "Shop Small and Local" for the holidays. Remember, this Saturday, Nov. 24, is Small Business Saturday.

For more information call 585-344-2518 or visit www.downtownbataviany.com

Taste of Fall Wine Walk is just around the corner

By Billie Owens

Tickets are on sale for Downtown's third annual "Taste of Fall Wine Walk," which will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 15. The event includes 21 tastings, a commemorative wine glass, and a discount card for dinner and shopping.

Tickets cost $20 and are going fast. Designated drivers pay $5. Twenty-one stores and businesses are on the itinerary.

Only 500 tickets will be sold and last year they were gone two weeks prior to the event.

You can buy them at:

  • Coffee Culture, 6 Court St.
  • T-Shirts Etc., 111 Main St.
  • Valle Jewelers, 21 Jackson St.

All participants must be age at least 21 years old.

On the night of the event, registration is at the Genesee Orleans Art Council, 201 E. Main St.

The host and major sponsor is the Batavia Business Improvement District, the Genesee Valley Pennysaver and T-Shirts Etc.

Visit www.downtownbataviany.com or Facebook: Downtown Batavia Improvement District for more information about this and other events. To phone the BID, call 344-0900.

BID awards four facade improvement grants

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District has awarded four more façade improvement grants to its downtown businesses. The recipients are: Kenneth Mistler, owner of City Slickers, 59 Main St.; Rich Clark of CPR (Computer & Phone Repair), 216 E. Main Street; Paul Marchese, Marchese Computer Products, 220 Ellicott St.; and Gerald and Thomas Williams, The Williams Law Firm, 2 Court St. Plaza.    

They received the following matching funds for improvements to their structures: Ken Mistler and City Slickers - $1,944 for new signage on the front and rear of his building; CPR - $286.69 for signage on their frontage; Marchese Computer - $1,205 for signage and gooseneck lighting; and Williams Law Firm - $1,487.50 for awnings on the second floor. These funds were awarded based upon the Business Improvement District’s design guidelines.  

The Batavia Business Improvement District is a not-for-profit, municipal / business incorporated association. It was established back in 1997 by a group of business owners to make improvements above and beyond what the municipality was normally responsible for.

B.I.D. provides programs, events and economic benefits to more than 190 downtown property owners and tenants. It has contributed greatly to the renewed vitality of downtown, the preservation of the character of its structures and development of its streetscapes.

According to Don Burkel, downtown manager, these improvements demonstrate a long-term commitment by these business owners to downtown and positive steps for its future. Eighty-seven businesses within the district have benefitted from this program and received more than $323,380 in funding. You also have to consider that these businesses have reinvested in total project costs of over $2,450,935 in Batavia’s downtown, which is pretty impressive.

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